Around The Tri-State, Patriotism On Parade For July 4th

STATEN ISLAND, NY (CBS 2) — The tri-state area was filled with tributes to the 235th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg kicked off the annual 4th of July parade in Travis, Staten Island with a balloon cutting. It also began with a community sing along.

The Travis parade is one of the oldest July 4th parades in the country and the people there really get into the spirit of the holiday with bands, antique cars and much more.

There’s also an appreciation for the men and women in the armed forces working to protect this country’s freedom.

Army Captain Adam Sher just returned from two tours of duty in Iraq and one in Afghanistan. “It’s very good to be home and I’m glad I got the opportunity to celebrate with this strong community,” he said.

In Ridgewood, New Jersey there was even a float dedicated to the three branches of government, the judiciary, the legislative and the executive.

In Peekskill, New York, some had very definite opinions about their favorite part of the parade.

“The fire trucks,” said one paradegoer.

“Tradition. As long as they’ve had a parade, I’m here,” said another paradegoer.

Tradition was on parade all over the tri-state area as thousands celebrated the birth of our nation.

What did you do for the 4th of July? Tell us below in our comments section…